Folding 3-4-5
"The aSQUARETM
is one of those "why didn't I think of that" jigs--a folding 3-4-5 foot triangle
that not only allows for fast layouts, but lets you quickly confirm the layout of
everything from the concrete sub's formwork to the framer's top plate alignment.
Made from high-quality aluminum flat stock, the aSQUARETM collapses into a rigid 5-foot
stick. Unfolded, it snaps into position at an accurate right angle, providing a
quick and easy reference for any type of layout--from masonry and framing to cabinets and
tile. It works especially well for assessing the squareness of existing spaces in
remodeling work. We can imagine that this will likely become a layout tool that's as
indispensable as your Speed Square."--Winter 1998 |

The Triangle Trade
"As a builder in northern New Jersey, Robert Butwin used to begin every job by
cutting a plywood triangle measuring 3 by 4 by 5 feet. Carpenters usually have to
measure out these dimensions, using the Pythagorean theorem, every time they need to
ensure a right angle. Butwin's triangle speeded up laying out walls and installing
ceramic tile, but was too rough to slide into position easily and too bulky to stow in his
truck. "When the job was done, I'd throw it away." So Butwin
tinkered in his workshop and came up with a lightweight alternative: an anodized aluminum
version that slides open and locks into place. When the job's done, the triangle
folds in on itself to resemble a single narrow cross-country ski, making it a lot easier
to store than a big T square."--March/April 1998 Issue |
Ercon.
"The aSQUARETM
is a collapsible layout triangle that guarantees accuracy because it is four times larger
than a framing square, the company says. With an unfolded dimension of 3 feet by 4
feet by 5 feet, the aSQUARETM's
positive locking mechanism locks the tool only when it is in the correct position.
It's made of anodized steel and weighs 3 pounds."--Fall 1997 Issue |
Folding 3-4-5 layout square
"The aSQUARETM
is a right triangle whose sides measure 3 ft., 4 ft. and 5 ft. It consists of three
aluminum bars that are hinged at two points and slide and lock at the third. This
tool can be folded and packed away and then popped open in a moment to check almost
anything for square. I've been using it to check site conditions for cabinet and
staircase installation.
It's very accurate, but because it's collapsible, there is as much as 1/16 in. of play in
the square. That's not much, but I'd be careful if I were depending on it for work
that demanded exact tolerances. However, I can't think of a better or quicker way to
check site conditions that can make or break profitability.--Sebastian Eggers, a
stairbuilder and cabinetmaker in Port Townsend, WA"--September 1998 Issue |
New Invention Story
"Robert Butwin, a builder from New Jersey, had trouble checking square by himself.
So he created a handy, compact helper called the 'aSQUARETM'. A collapsible folding aluminum
triangle, the 'a Square' has he dimensions of a 3x4x5 foot right triangle. It folds
to a compact 2 inches x 3/8 inch x 5 feet. And it weights just three pounds.
"It's the only folding square on the market." says Butwin. The tool's
locking mechanism activates only when the tool is in the correct position."--August
1997 Issue |
Inventor Story
"The aSQUARETM
layout triangle...is a collapsible 90 degree layout triangle for cabinetmakers, carpenters
and installers needing an accurate square. Measuring 3' x 4' x 5' when opened and
locked, the triangle folds to 3/8" x 2" x 5' for easy storage and
transport. Made of anodized aluminum, the square features a push button locking
mechanism that engages only when the tool has been unfolded to the correct
position."--February 1998 Issue |
Tooling Around
"Inventor Robert Butwin: "I needed to take a helper to square off walls.
This person could have been put to better use than holding a tape
measure"..."most contractors make a triangle out of plywood, and then throw it
away when the job is done." He wanted something simpler that could be used over
and over. The result of his frustration is the "aSQUARETM" A 5' tall, 2 1/2" wide
piece of aluminum attached to a 4' piece and a 3' piece that expands to a triangle, but
collapses into one slim piece that can be easily stored in a truck or trunk...The large
tool manufacturers wanted him to sign away his first born child...since his affiliation
with STAFDA, he has increased distribution into many markets across the country."--December
1997 Issue |
New Equipment Release
"The aSQUARETM
is a new squaring tool...developed by a highly regarded construction manager who based the
tool on the 3-4-5 triangle principal. The collapsible triangle guarantees precision
layout and, because it is four times larger than a framing a square, it guarantees
accuracy...The compact folding size and light weight allows this tool to be stored in a
compact storage area. The aSQUARETM can be used for several different
trades including: carpenters, ceramic tile, cabinet & vinyl floor covering installers,
masons, cabinet & furniture manufacturers."--October 1997 Issue |
Folding Layout Triangle
"ERCON inc., Ramsey, NJ., announces the availability of aSQUARETM, a folding
3-foot by 4-foot by 5-foot layout triangle. At the push of a button, the rigid
triangle folds to the compact profile of a yard stick and is easily stored. Quickly
and accurately check square in critical location when it is easy to correct--rough
openings, etc."--January/February 1998 Issue |
Paver laying tool
"This newly invented product allows one person to lay pavers in a perfect right
angle. When folded, the paver square looks like a long narrow piece of metal that
measures 2 inches by 3/8 inch x 5 feet and weighs 3 pounds. When opened, this
collapsible triangle measures 3 x 4 x 5 feet. Its design is based on the
geometrically sound, 3-4-5 triangle principle. This triangle is four times bigger
than a framing square and is made from anodized aluminum. It has a positive locking
mechanism that locks only when the tool is in the proper position."--May 1998
Issue |
New squaring tool from Ercon
"New from Ercon Inc. is the aSQUARETM, a collapsible, triangular tool that
guarantees perfect right angles, the company says.
Four times larger than a framing square, the A square is 3 ft. x 4 ft. x 5 ft. when
unfolded. A securing mechanism ensures accuracy by locking the anodized aluminum
tool only when it is in the correct position, the company says.
When not being used, the tool, which weighs 3 lbs., folds to 2" x 3/8" x 5
ft."--May/June 1998 Issue |
aSQUARETM, ranked the #1 hand tool and #25 out of all 150 products, is the only folding 3' x 4' x 5'x layout triangle. It
deserves this high ranking because the aSQUARETM makes perfect sense. It allows buiders
to check all critical locations very quickly and accurately while they are still easy to
fix (i.e. cabinet locations, tub and vanity locations, areas to be tiled, rough openings,
etc.) All trades can layout quicker, easier, and more accurately with one man alone! All
of this equals a quality, true value tool. The Asquare is constructed from aircraft
quality aluminum, is accurate to 1/32", and folds to a stick for easy storage. For
more information call Ercon at 800-452-6401 or visit their Website at www.asquaretools.com
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